Energy Makeover Competition Winners Announced

Four homes in Lichfield District are set to benefit from super energy makeovers courtesy of the ‘Green Deal Pioneers’ competition which was launched in January. The four were selected from the range of entrants following a rigorous assessment by a panel drawn from Southern Staffordshire Community Energy, the Energy Saving Co-operative and Lichfield District Council. Three of the homes, which all have solid walls, will benefit from installation of external wall insulation, and one from internal insulation, in both cases aiming to create cosier more comfortable homes – and save the occupants money.

The competition was planned as a curtain-raiser for the Government’s new Green Deal scheme and for the ECO subsidy which will help households to install energy-saving measures. The homes are intended to act as demonstration examples which the organisers hope will inspire others to follow suit. Funding is being provided by the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) following a successful bid led by Lichfield District Council.

A variety of house types and areas are represented: a detached house in Burntwood, a semi and also a terraced property in Lichfield City and a Victorian terraced home in Whittington Conservation area. The Whittington property will benefit from an internal traditional lime and hemp internal rendering which is breathable, natural, of high insulation value and also absorbs carbon dioxide.

Solid wall homes make up a significant proportion of Lichfield District’s housing stock, mostly built before 1930. They are generally regarded as harder to insulate and more wasteful of energy than more modern homes.

The four properties – and a number of others – will open their doors to visitors on Sunday 19th May. This will give other residents an opportunity to see what has been done and to find out more about the Green Deal and how to improve their own homes. For further information on the open days contact Kate Sadler of SSCE on 07565 963282 or via katesadler@talktalk.net

A video showing the process of installing solid wall insulation in the competition winners homes is also being made as part of the ‘Green Deal Pioneers’ project and when completed will be available to view online.

Mrs June Thorne, one of the lucky home-owners said “I am really thrilled to be a winner of the competition. As a pensioner living on fixed income I do everything I can to keep my heating bills down – but it isn’t easy in an older property so I am looking forward to having my walls insulated and a cosier home.”